Discretionary Housing Payments After Eviction in Scotland

Being evicted is stressful and can leave you without the support you need to pay rent or move to new housing. This guide explains how Discretionary Housing Payments work in Scotland for tenants and renters, who administers them, and practical steps after eviction to apply for extra help with shortfalls, deposits or temporary housing costs. It explains what information councils will ask for, which official forms and bodies are involved, and how to gather evidence to strengthen an application. Use this to understand realistic deadlines, your rights under Scottish tenancy law, and where to get help so you can act quickly and confidently.

What are Discretionary Housing Payments?

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are short-term grants councils can pay to help with housing costs when Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit does not cover your rent. Councils decide applications individually and can consider eviction-related costs such as shortfalls, deposits or temporary accommodation. You must apply to the local council that paid your Housing Benefit or administers your housing costs; central guidance explains how councils use DHPs and what they can consider.^[1] DHPs are discretionary and do not replace statutory entitlement under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.^[2]

Who can apply after eviction?

• Tenants recently evicted who remain liable for rent, deposits or re-housing costs and need short-term help.
• People in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in housing costs.
• Households needing help to pay deposits or moving costs to secure a new tenancy after eviction.

Relevant official forms and where to get them

• Discretionary Housing Payment application form (local council form) — councils each use their own DHP application form; apply to the council that handles your Housing Benefit or housing costs. See GOV.UK guidance on DHP for what to expect and how to contact your council.^[1]
• Universal Credit claim or journal update (GOV.UK online) — if you receive Universal Credit, you should update your housing costs details and, where available, use the council DHP form. This is completed through GOV.UK when claiming or reporting changes.
• First-tier Tribunal application forms (Housing and Property Chamber) — if your eviction relates to a dispute about liability or you wish to challenge a landlord decision, the Tribunal provides application guidance and forms for housing cases.^[3]

How to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment

1. Gather evidence: tenancy agreements, eviction notice, proof of rent arrears, bank statements, quotes for deposits or moving costs, and any correspondence with your landlord or council.
2. Find and complete the DHP application form from your local council and attach the evidence you gathered.
3. Submit the application promptly and note any council deadlines or review periods; partial payments can be made quickly but full decisions may take time.
4. If the council refuses or you disagree with the outcome, ask for a written decision, request an internal review if available, and consider contacting the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) about any related tenancy disputes.

FAQ

Can I get a DHP after an eviction has already happened?

Yes. You can apply after eviction if you can show an ongoing liability (for example, if you remain legally responsible for rent), immediate housing costs, or exceptional circumstances that the council will consider.

Does a DHP cover all my rent arrears or past debts?

No. DHPs are usually for short-term help with ongoing housing costs or one-off costs like deposits; they rarely clear long-term historic arrears, which remain a separate issue between you and your landlord or a debt adviser.

How long does a council take to decide on a DHP?

Times vary by council; many aim to make an initial decision within a few weeks but complex cases can take longer — always ask your council for their target timescale.

How-To

1. Collect evidence such as tenancy agreements, eviction notices, bank statements, and quotes for costs you need help with.
2. Download or request the DHP application form from your local council and complete all sections carefully.
3. Submit the form and evidence to the council promptly and note any deadlines for additional information.
4. If refused, ask for the councils written decision, request an internal review if possible, and consider seeking tribunal advice for tenancy disputes.

Key Takeaways

• Apply quickly because DHP funds are limited and decisions can take time.
• Provide clear evidence of eviction, liability and costs to strengthen your application.
• Use official council, tribunal and government guidance when you apply or appeal.

Help and Support / Resources

• Discretionary Housing Payment guidance on GOV.UK
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 on legislation.gov.uk

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1. [1] GOV.UK  Discretionary Housing Payment guidance
2. [2] legislation.gov.uk  Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
3. [3] Housing and Property Chamber  First-tier Tribunal for Scotland